How to Make Grenadine: Homemade Grenadine Recipe

Grenadine syrup is a cocktail mixer made from fresh pomegranate juice reduced with sugar—like simple syrup with a hint of citrus flavor and stunning red color. The name “grenadine” comes from the French word grenade, which means “pomegranate.” Note that pomegranate syrup (sometimes called pomegranate molasses) is not the same as grenadine: pomegranate syrup is more tart, while grenadine is very sweet.

Once you’ve made your own grenadine syrup, it will become an essential ingredient in your home bar. Use homemade grenadine syrup in mixed drinks including:

1. 1. Tequila Sunrise, made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The grenadine and orange juice give the cocktail its signature hue. Find our recipe for the Tequila Sunrise here.
2. 2. Jack Rose, made with applejack, lemon or lime juice, and grenadine. The Jack Rose is served up, in a coupe glass, and has a beautiful red-orange color thanks to the grenadine.
3. 3. Grenadine is also popular in non-alcoholic drinks since, unlike a liqueur, it adds color and flavor without any alcohol. The Shirley Temple and Roy Rogers are both non-alcoholic drinks made with grenadine—a Shirley Temple is simply ginger ale and grenadine, while a Roy Rogers is cola with grenadine.